Silver Spring, Md. (Jan. 20, 2012) – To bring current issues to classrooms in real-time through innovative learning experiences, Discovery Education has launched an exclusive webinar series titled Discovery Education LIVE. Designed to help students understand the importance of their education and motivate them to make a difference, the webinar series will feature thought leaders on a variety of topics of importance to students and educators throughout the year.

To kick off the series, Discovery Education is hosting a webinar on Jan. 23 featuring General (Retired) and Mrs. Colin L. Powell of America’s Promise Alliance (America’s Promise). General and Mrs. Powell will speak to students about the high school dropout crisis, why it’s more important than ever to get a high school diploma and the important role students can play in helping their peers stay in school. America’s Promise is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Comprised of 400+ nonprofit groups, businesses, communities, educators and policy makers, America’s Promise believes the success of young people is grounded in Five Promises: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.

“We are excited to launch Discovery Education LIVE with webinars featuring leaders at the forefront of the critical issues facing schools and communities today,” said Tanya Van Court of Discovery Education. “Through the webinar series, we will bring innovative learning experiences to students and educators, providing them a unique perspective from prominent leaders on current issues and exclusive resources they need to be successful and make a difference in their communities.”

“Innovative learning experiences like Discovery Education LIVE take students beyond the walls of the classroom, providing them unique access to today`s leaders,” said Scott Muri, chief information officer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “These opportunities empower educators with exactly the kind of resources we need to engage students.”

Additional webinars in the Discovery Education LIVE series include:

“Your Role in Combating Poverty in America” featuring Mark Shriver of Save the Children on Jan. 25. Shriver will speak to students about poverty in America, the importance of education as a fundamental way to fight the effects of poverty and their role in finding solutions and making positive differences in their local communities. Shriver currently is head of U.S. programs for Save the Children, the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.

“The Making of an American Candidate: The Road to the White House, Congress, the State House and Beyond” featuring Tom Downey (D) and Ray McGrath (R), former members of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 5. Downey and McGrath will provide students a behind-the-scenes look at how one goes from candidate to elected official. With political campaigns in full swing across the U.S., Downey and McGrath will explain the elements of a political campaign and the election process. They will also discuss how Super Tuesday is an important milestone in choosing a presidential nominee.

Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications whose networks include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and SCIENCE. Bringing the world of Discovery into classrooms, Discovery Education is inspiring teachers and students with engaging, media-rich content and resources that cover all curriculum areas. The number one provider of digital content to U.S classrooms, Discovery Education content is scientifically shown to improve student achievement.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education transforms classrooms, empowers teachers and captivates students by providing high quality, dynamic, digital content for grades K-12 and community colleges. Powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital media, professional development, assessment tools and a passionate educator network to support districts in accelerating student achievement. Discovery Education services like Discovery Education streaming, Discovery Education Techbook and Discovery Education Higher Ed, are in more than half of all US schools and 35 countries around the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.